Nigeria’s ‘Vulture King’ leads fight to save birds from extinction
In a small community in south-eastern Nigeria, a local conservation advocate known as the “Vulture King” is helping reverse the decline of one of Africa’s most threatened bird species.
For decades, vultures have disappeared across many parts of West Africa due to hunting, habitat destruction and their use in traditional belief-based practices. Conservationists warn that the loss of the birds poses a serious threat to public health and ecosystems because vultures play a critical role in disposing of animal carcasses and limiting the spread of disease.
But in Awka-Etiti, a town in Nigeria’s Anambra State, residents have adopted a different approach. Protected by local customs linked to a sacred shrine, vultures are regarded as important spiritual symbols and are largely left unharmed.
Leading efforts to safeguard the birds is Chukwuemeka Igwe, popularly known as the “Vulture King”, who has spent years educating residents and working with conservation groups to discourage hunting and protect nesting sites.
His campaign comes at a time when conservation experts are raising alarm over the sharp decline of vulture populations across Africa. Several species are now classified as endangered or critically endangered, with poisoning, illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss identified as major threats.
Researchers say the growing demand for vultures and their body parts in traditional medicine and spiritual rituals has increased pressure on already vulnerable populations. In some cases, hunters have expanded their activities to include the collection of eggs and destruction of nests, further reducing breeding success.
Despite these challenges, local conservation efforts in Awka-Etiti appear to be producing results. Community volunteers report that vulture numbers have risen significantly in recent years after local leaders, residents and environmental groups collaborated to strengthen protection measures.
Wildlife advocates say the town’s experience demonstrates the importance of community-led conservation and could serve as a model for protecting threatened species elsewhere in Africa.
While conservationists welcome the progress, they caution that much more remains to be done as vulture populations continue to decline in many parts of the continent. They argue that stronger enforcement, public education and cross-border cooperation will be essential to securing the future of the birds
Source: BBC
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